One of the standout moments of my internship so far was visiting the iconic Forth Bridge in North Queensferry, a marvel of engineering and a symbol of the country’s industrial heritage. It was incredible to visit such an iconic landmark alongside my fellow interns and take that all important selfie – did you really work at Network Rail if you don’t have that picture on your LinkedIn?
Another highlight of my internship was a site visit to the new Hairmyres station, a crucial part of the East Kilbride electrification project. This visit offered me a front-row seat to the ongoing efforts to decarbonise Scotland's railway, a vital step towards achieving the Scottish Government's NetZero targets. Learning about the technology and infrastructure changes involved in this project underscored the importance of sustainable development in the transportation sector.
It was also great to see how my previous knowledge in Geography and Sustainable Development could be applied in practice, providing me with valuable experiences that I can bring back to my studies in my final year at university. It was encouraging to see how Network Rail is actively contributing to a greener future, and I am excited to see the positive impact these initiatives will have on Scotland's environment and communities.
I have also had the opportunity to learn about the more day-to-day roles within the railway and how they contribute to its operation, as this is essential to appreciating the scale of work required to keep trains running safely and on time. My visit to the West of Scotland Signalling Centre provided just that—a behind-the-scenes look at the critical role signallers play in managing train movements across the network. It was fascinating to see how technology and human expertise come together to ensure that Scotland's railway operates efficiently. This experience deepened my respect for the precision and dedication required in this field. Furthermore, meeting with colleagues in the maintenance and operations departments at the Glasgow Delivery Unit further broadened my understanding of what it takes to keep a railway system operational. The day-to-day work carried out by these teams is vital to maintaining the infrastructure that so many people rely on. Their commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of the railway is inspiring, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from their experiences.
In addition to these site visits and interactions, I have begun work on a main research project comparing climate change adaptation strategies across different international rail operators. This project is particularly exciting for me as it allows me to apply the knowledge and skills I've gained during my studies at the University of St Andrews. The goal is to produce a piece of work that will be valuable to Network Rail as they continue to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. I am eager to contribute meaningfully to this project and to see how my findings can inform future strategies within the organisation.
As I continue my journey with Network Rail, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that this internship has provided. Each day brings new learning, and I am excited to continue building my industry knowledge while making valuable contributions to an organisation that plays such a crucial role in Scotland's infrastructure. The next few weeks promise even more insights and experiences, and I look forward to sharing them as I progress through this incredible journey.
